Greatest Show on Earth

[reneener 0]

Die Hand Gottes. I feel elated about Germany having won, but saddened about young Thomas Müller getting a second yellow card for that handball, which was a very harsh decision by the referee from Usbekistan. Thomas Müller from Bayern München has been one of the discoveries of this world cup. He is now banned from playing in next Wednesday's semi-final. Joachim Löw copped a lot of flack for picking him in the first place. Our coach deserves all the credit for picking all those youngsters and making this new German team into such formidable opponents. I don't want to be whingeing, but not having Thomas available in the next game, could make a huge difference to our chances of reaching the final.

 

 

Yes, I also feel very saddened, no really.... But it is what you say he is still young and now he has learned that it is called football. Some never learn, like Arjan Robben.

 

By the way, it seems to me that you post under false flag...

 

He is indeed a great talent

 

Edited July 3, 2010 by reneener

[Gonzo 419]

Hi,

 

Deutschland ueber Alles, splendid game. Opening the Becks as I speak as I feel the other game may be painful to watch. The South Americans have never forgiven the Conquistadors. I remember when Holland got an early penalty against West Germany(English Ref) and had a great start. Germany came back and won the game. I cried that day.

I remember that game like it was yesterday. I rushed home from work late at night Australian time, so I would not miss the start of that match on my small black and white TV. I managed and was immediately traumatized when Germany conceded a goal in the first minute of the game without having touched the ball. Gerd Müller and Kaiser Franz Beckenbauer won that game for us, against that wonderful Dutch team. I am still talking about that game with my Dutch friend, who lives in a condo near Soi 12 on Jomtien Beach Road, not far from my place. Steven and I worked together on the waterfront in Darwin for 33 years. Another similar encounter between our countries is a possibility. I think Steven would want to kill me, should Holland loose again. He comes from Groningen and is therefore a bit thick in the head. I hope he does not read what I just said.

[reneener 0]

I remember that game like it was yesterday. I rushed home from work late at night Australian time, so I would not miss the start of that match on my small black and white TV. I managed and was immediately traumatized when Germany conceded a goal in the first minute of the game without having touched the ball. Gerd Müller and Kaiser Franz Beckenbauer won that game for us, against that wonderful Dutch team. I am still talking about that game with my Dutch friend, who lives in a condo near Soi 12 on Jomtien Beach Road, not far from my place. Steven and I worked together on the waterfront in Darwin for 33 years. Another similar encounter between our countries is a possibility. I think Steven would want to kill me, should Holland loose again. He comes from Groningen and is therefore a bit thick in the head. I hope he does not read what I just said.

 

 

Heck, one Groninger to kill you? You are so naief! Whe have A rockets always pointed to Germany and the chearing of our German neighbours wouldt only last for 3 seconds.....

 

The Germans tourists on the Dutch beaches, they usally make a sitting hole in the beach and call it "my hole or little Germany" will be buldozered down 10 seconds later.

 

About the many German WW II refugees in Argentina we no longer bother, my guess is they will be deported or dropped above sea by tomorrow morning.

 

Chears!

 

Edited July 3, 2010 by reneener

[Gonzo 419]

Yes, I also feel very saddened, no really.... But it is what you say he is still young and now he has learned that it is called football. Some never learn, like Arjan Robben.

 

By the way, it seems to me that you post under false flag...

 

He is indeed a great talent

 

I was born in Munich, but left for Australia when I was 18 years of age. That makes me a German Australian. I am the proud holder of an Australian passport and support both Australia and Germany in most sporting events. I still speak Australian English with a bit of a German accent. I have never been back to Europe for more than 40 years. I hope that satisfies your curiosity about the Aussie flag. Thanks for letting us borrow von Robben at Bayern München. He won us another Bundesliga title this year.

[reneener 0]

I was born in Munich, but left for Australia when I was 18 years of age. That makes me a German Australian. I am the proud holder of an Australian passport and support both Australia and Germany in most sporting events. I still speak Australian English with a bit of a German accent. I have never been back to Europe for more than 40 years. I hope that satisfies your curiosity about the Aussie flag. Thanks for letting us borrow von Robben at Bayern München. He won us another Bundesliga title this year.

 

 

They payed 25.000.000 Euro. Al cynical joking aside, all the best for the beautifull game.

 

Edited July 3, 2010 by reneener

[Gonzo 419]

They payed 25.000.000 Euro. Al cynical joking aside, all the best for the beautifull game.

 

No offence taken about your cynical jokes. I have spent too much time on message boards to be offended by a bit of harmless banter. I am presently watching the Spain versus Paraguay game, which seems to be less interesting after watching the Germany-Argentina match. It is almost 2 AM this Sunday morning here in Thailand, so I might as well go to bed and find out in the morning, which team will be Germany’s opponent in the semi-finals.

[reneener 0]

No offence taken about your cynical jokes. I have spent too much time on message boards to be offended by a bit of harmless banter. I am presently watching the Spain versus Paraguay game, which seems to be less interesting after watching the Germany-Argentina match. It is almost 2 AM this Sunday morning here in Thailand, so I might as well go to bed and find out in the morning, which team will be Germany’s opponent in the semi-finals.

 

 

You'r right. After today's performance of Germany it will look like 6 year old kids playing.

 

Have a good sleep and nice day tomorrow.

 

[reneener 0]

Sneijder credited with first goal in Dutch quarter-final victory

 

 

 

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1266860/index.html

Edited July 3, 2010 by reneener

[MeGoDanceNow 4,281]

Die Hand Gottes. I feel elated about Germany having won, but saddened about young Thomas Müller getting a second yellow card for that handball, which was a very harsh decision by the referee from Usbekistan. Thomas Müller from Bayern München has been one of the discoveries of this world cup. He is now banned from playing in next Wednesday's semi-final. Joachim Löw copped a lot of flack for picking him in the first place. Our coach deserves all the credit for picking all those youngsters and making this new German team into such formidable opponents. I don't want to be whingeing, but not having Thomas available in the next game, could make a huge difference to our chances of reaching the final.

 

 

No, I agree with you. The yellow card for Müller was complete bullshit. I'm just glad he WILL be back for the final game :)

 

Unfortunately this is what spoils soccer as a sport, there are too many irrational variables from stupid calls by the refs when there are no video replays.

 

At least the right team won. I fully expect to see Netherlands vs Germany in the finals.

[joekicker 53]

Unfortunately this is what spoils soccer as a sport, there are too many irrational variables from stupid calls by the refs when there are no video replays.

 

But that call is always a judgement call. I can't see there ever being video on that sort of call. Video could only disprove that the ball touched his arm/hand at all, not his intention.

 

Let's get video on the goal line. Then for offsides. These are either-or calls, the stuff that technology is good for.

 

.

[nidnoyham 30]

No offence taken about your cynical jokes. I have spent too much time on message boards to be offended by a bit of harmless banter. I am presently watching the Spain versus Paraguay game, which seems to be less interesting after watching the Germany-Argentina match. It is almost 2 AM this Sunday morning here in Thailand, so I might as well go to bed and find out in the morning, which team will be Germany’s opponent in the semi-finals.

 

 

You've got Spain - eventually !

 

Looking at how well Germany have played without their Chelsea man, I wonder if England may have done better without Rooney or Lampard ? With Heskey there is no doubt.

 

Our Manager admits he made mistakes, perhaps a few forced changes may have given us a better team. Swiensteiger, is the player of the competition so far, even if i cant spell or pronounce his name.

 

If Germany win, there will be much speculation about how they used that ball all season, before the W.C. A BBC commentator, said it felt like a ball you buy at a petrol station, no substance to it. I am not detracting from the Germans good performance, but be honest, did you ever see so many over hit passes/ free kicks/ penalties or shots at goal in a tournament ? No wonder your team decided to walk it into the goal.

 

Well done beating the Argie's. At least we scored twice against you !

Edited July 4, 2010 by nidnoyham

[wacmedia 277]

You've got Spain - eventually !

 

Hi,

 

My farm is on Spain! Watching Bayern this season I must admit I was underwhelmed by Muller. I though how can this guy keep Klose and Puldoski out of the team ? He has been one of the stars of this tounament.

[reneener 0]

Video is a absolute must. Its one of the tools to prevent WW III.

 

[nidnoyham 30]

Video is a absolute must. Its one of the tools to prevent WW III.

 

 

 

As I said before, they have those huge screens at each end of the pitch showing the same picture as the T.V. viewers get.

 

Everyone in the German team and on the bench, must have had a quick look at the repeated showing of the England ' goal'. and thought that today was their day. On the other hand, it has the exact opposite effect on the England players, to see it.

 

The ref' was looking a bit sheepish when he came out for the second half, but it wasn't his fault if he did not see it for sure. That option should be there for him. Even the England players didn't make a lot of fuss. Not as much as we all did back home.

Two England goals in as many minutes, would have put a different slant on the game.

 

Ahh well, something to talk about for a few decades I suppose ! l

[reneener 0]

As I said before, they have those huge screens at each end of the pitch showing the same picture as the T.V. viewers get.

 

Everyone in the German team and on the bench, must have had a quick look at the repeated showing of the England ' goal'. and thought that today was their day. On the other hand, it has the exact opposite effect on the England players, to see it.

 

The ref' was looking a bit sheepish when he came out for the second half, but it wasn't his fault if he did not see it for sure. That option should be there for him. Even the England players didn't make a lot of fuss. Not as much as we all did back home.

Two England goals in as many minutes, would have put a different slant on the game.

 

Ahh well, something to talk about for a few decades I suppose ! l

 

Don't forget the drinks mate!

[wacmedia 277]

Everyone in the German team and on the bench, must have had a quick look at the repeated showing of the England ' goal'. and thought that today was their day. On the other hand, it has the exact opposite effect on the England players, to see it.

 

Hi,

 

I agree momentum is very important in sport. Thats why I go crazy when Man Utd get dodgy decisions when they are in trouble in the Prem. Otherwise nid I think you are clutching at straws. England need to get in all the young guys now and build for the future.

[nidnoyham 30]

Hi,

 

I agree momentum is very important in sport. Thats why I go crazy when Man Utd get dodgy decisions when they are in trouble in the Prem. Otherwise nid I think you are clutching at straws. England need to get in all the young guys now and build for the future.

 

 

I agree me old Gooner, but people who buy tickets to watch England play abroad, want to see the blokes they watch on T.V. every Saturday. I 'ain't that fussed if they play, especially if they are unfit, or off form.

 

Leave out Lampard, Rooney, Gerrard..... and the locals may stay away. That is what the W.C is. A carnival of Footie.

FIFA and the FA, are there to provide the clowns !

 

I still maintain that 'goal' would have changed the game. Not necessarily the result.

[joekicker 53]

I still maintain that 'goal' would have changed the game. Not necessarily the result.

 

Absolutely agree.

 

.

[Gonzo 419]

Hi,

 

I agree momentum is very important in sport. Thats why I go crazy when Man Utd get dodgy decisions when they are in trouble in the Prem. Otherwise nid I think you are clutching at straws. England need to get in all the young guys now and build for the future.

Cheshire Tom made a very good point in a previous post. Germany won the U 21 World Cup last year with ease. Joachim Löw must have had a good look how some of the young lads performed and then came to the conclusion that it was time to rebuild the German side with fresh blood. Germany did not look that impressive at the 2008 European championship, despite reaching the final. No matter how good stars, like Rinaldo or Lampard and the likes have performed over the last 10 years, a gifted and ambitious 20-year old kid will run the older blokes off their feet. Rooney looked such an exciting player, when he started to make a name for himself, quite a few years ago. In this world cup he looked like a tired old man without the support of the imported superstars at Man U. Playing for your country, means the coach can only rely on homegrown players. I think the German coach realized, that by picking half a team of highly talented new,young and enthusiastic speedsters, playing alongside some established and experienced stalwarts, like Schweinsteiger, Friedrich and Klose, he could not only have a winning formula, but also build a new and a winning team for the next few years as well.

 

Soccer is played at a lot faster pace, than it was a few years ago. If Ballack were totally fit and available for the next game against Spain, I think the coach would leave him sitting on the bench. I will be surprised, if Ballack will be the captain of the German team for Euro 2012, or even playing and he might as well forget about the next World Cup in Brazil.

[reneener 0]

Soccer is played at a lot faster pace, than it was a few years ago. If Ballack were totally fit and available for the next game against Spain, I think the coach would leave him sitting on the bench. I will be surprised, if Ballack will be the captain of the German team for Euro 2012, or even playing and he might as well forget about the next World Cup in Brazil.

 

 

The phsysical condition of the Germans is frightening. I did send a urgent mail to the FIFA to x-ray the German team. I have every reason to believe they used nano technology to create a team of cyborgs. A Dutch special forces team is already dropped above S-Africa with top secret jamming equipment.

 

If you think I'm crazy, you are wrong. All the other 200 man and woman in the clinic where I stay fully agree with me. They cannot al be wrong!!!

 

[wacmedia 277]

if Ballack will be the captain of the German team for Euro 2012, or even playing and he might as well forget about the next World Cup in Brazil.

 

Hi,

 

I think Ballack is finished. Great player but the new kids are on the block.

[wacmedia 277]

Hi,

 

A little rest until we get back to serious business. Having watched Arg v Ger again I feel it was a very close game despite the score line. If Zanetti had played in place of Otamendi I feel Argentina may have won. Otamendi had a nightmare game and Zanetti is the best in the game IMO. I think I still have a good chance with Spain. Uruguay v Holland is more difficult for me. I think Holland deserve a World Cup for lifetime achievement but I had a small saver on Uruquay at 18/1 and if they get to the final I will have a great day especially if Spain play them. What odds Holland v Germany in the final ?

Edited July 5, 2010 by wacmedia

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Hi,

 

I think Ballack is finished. Great player but the new kids are on the block.

 

Ballack bottles it when it comes to major competitions - various German commentators have made the point that if Ballack was playing it would be to the detriment of certain other players, most notably Schweinsteiger, and the team as a whole.

 

FWIW, I think the Germans will target Puyol in exactly the same way they targeted Terry. Old and slow - he's the weak link in the Spanish team.

Edited July 5, 2010 by CheshireTom

[wacmedia 277]

FWIW, I think the Germans will target Puyol in exactly the same way they targeted Terry. Old and slow - he's the weak link in the Spanish team.

 

Hi,

 

Not one of my favs but he always seems to end up on winning teams with Barcelona and Spain. Iniesta has improved with games and I feel he will test some of the slow coaches in Germans defence as well. Spain are 2/1 to beat Germany with Betterbet which is much better than most big layers. They went 2/1 England as well against Germany.

[Gonzo 419]

Hi,

 

Not one of my favs but he always seems to end up on winning teams with Barcelona and Spain. Iniesta has improved with games and I feel he will test some of the slow coaches in Germans defence as well. Spain are 2/1 to beat Germany with Betterbet which is much better than most big layers. They went 2/1 England as well against Germany.

Hi Wacmedia,

 

I would love to get 2:1 in a two horse race. I cannot get through to any betting site here from Thailand, as the Thai Government seems to have blocked all of them. According to the on-line newspapers, most betting agencies are less generous than your Betterbet. Ladbrokes had Germany at 2.9 and Spain at 2.67 a short while ago, with a draw paying 3.30. I think Spain will win, with one German key player suspended and another injured.

 

Nevertheless, if there is anyone in Pattaya prepared to give me odds of 2 to 1 on Germany, I would be all to happy to accept such a bet up to a limit of 100 K. Everybody seems to be getting a hiding on the stock market again, so loosing another 100K on a wager would not make much difference. Any bet would have to be done in a discreet way, as not to alert any authorities.

 

Ladbrokes have Uruguay at 7.2, which sounds like another good bet. Holland at 1.67 are a stupid bet at odds on in another two horse race, in my opinion. Who would want to outlay say 10 000 Baht to win 6700 Baht? I would not mind a wager on Uruguay at such good. The Uruguay team are a bunch of mongrels and will try every dirty trick in the book to outsmart Holland. It would only need another yellow card to van Robben, Holland's best player, from a bad refereeing decision, to see him red-carded and Holland could then be in trouble.